The UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Government of Singapore and partners launched a global technology and innovation initiative for sustainable agriculture titled ‘Cultiv@te.’ The initiative, which aims to transform agricultural practices in light of increasing strains from climate change and pressures on food supplies, was announced on 12 November at the Singapore FinTech Festival. Cultiv@te will curate multi-stakeholder coalitions to tackle major challenges faced by developing countries and explore opportunities in urban agriculture, climate resilience and livestock farming.

Through the programme, mature growth-stage startups and research and development teams from academic institutions, together with local innovators, technology experts, corporate mentors, and financiers, will co-design solutions with farmers and policy makers in a number of emerging markets that have large potential and needs. Applications are open via www.cultivate.technology.

Hazri Hassan, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore, explained that the government decided to launch this initiative together with UNDP as Singapore currently imports more than 90% of its food, which makes it vulnerable to disruptions in the global food supply. To address this, the government has set a target to locally produce 30% of Singapore’s foodstuff needs by 2030. To do so, it will transform its agri-food sector to raise productivity, invest in innovation and adopt sustainable technologies.

Edwin Chow, Enterprise Singapore, added that open innovation is becoming “increasingly important” in driving the development of tech solutions that are both novel and practical in addressing real-world problems. He said Cultiv@te will help companies and governments to access a wider pool of solution providers, while allowing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups to validate the market need for their new and existing technology.

Bradley Busetto, UNDP, highlighted the importance of having globally-sourced technologies and innovations combine in new ways with market insights, know-how and traditional farming practices to positively impact sustainability and livelihoods of farming communities. [UNDP Press Release]